Patriotic Piper

Visitors to Mount Vernon tend to hear Don Francisco before they see him. After all, the high-pitched whistle of his fife was designed to resonate across encampments and battlefields. As a history interpreter and Mount Vernon’s resident fifer, Don roams the estate, performing battle hymns and marching songs of the Revolutionary War, and teaching guests about the role of music throughout George Washington’s life.

A Musical Background

Don started at Mount Vernon five years ago, after retiring from the United States Army, where he served for 30 years as a soldier-musician. He began studying music as a sixth grader in New Orleans after a guest performer played the flute at his school. She inspired him to pick up the flute and piccolo, and he embarked on a lifelong love of performing.

Knowing he wanted to pursue music in the military, Don enlisted in the army after high school and auditioned for its band. He started in the 5th Infantry Division Band at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before joining the 8th U.S. Army Band in Seoul, South Korea. He then auditioned for the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, where he stayed for the duration of his service. While in this unit, Don learned to play the fife.

“It was a challenge for me and an opportunity to grow intellectually, musically, socially, and spiritually,” Don said.

This unit of about 70 musicians, based at Fort Myer, Virginia, dons uniforms similar to those worn by musicians in the Continental Army and averages 500 performances around the world each year—including occasions at Mount Vernon. “Before I retired, I worked at Mount Vernon as a soldier doing ceremonies,” Don said. “The February before I retired, I performed on the bowling green for Washington’s birthday celebration. Little did I know, later that year, I’d be coming back here in a different role!”